TIANJIN, China, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Greg Ryan, the coach of United States women's football squad, told press that his team played well in the win over England in their 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinal here on Saturday.

England controlled the first half and kept pressure on the Americans. But the world top ranked Americans fought back in the beginning of the second half and made three goals in the starting 15 minutes after the halftime whistle.

"We played much better in today's match," Ryan said. "I encouraged them to do what they were doing in the first half, and to play for open space. They did it."

"I told my players to keep pressure on England's captain Kelly Smith to stop her from getting the ball. She was a great player and we have to freeze her."

"We played a fantastic match and they succeeded to possess the ball in air. Thanks to Kristine Lilly, she assisted Wambach's first goal and scored the third one by herself. She is the leader of the United States team inside and outside the pitch." said Ryan.